T-7 to Launch

3 years since the Lu launch, 7 days until the Louisa launch, and I’d like to share a little something I’ve learned about encouragement.

It takes many forms. A couple days ago, it was a card in my mailbox. The morning before that, it was an email. Sometimes, it isn’t words at all, but a gift or some help, like my mom offering to watch the boys for an evening.

Sometimes it’s loud, but more often it’s quiet, and I like the quiet ones because I can experience them by myself (and cry). A friend sent me a text this week to tell me she was proud of me (and I cried). She reminded me that long before Lu was a book, it was a conversation about a book.

This brought to mind a conversation I had when I was visiting another friend many years ago. I was starting to think about maybe writing again. I was carrying a lot of doubt. I looked at her across her kitchen table.

“Do you think I can do it?” I asked her.

She said yes – no hesitancy, no qualifications, no disclaimers.

Our conversation went on, but a part of me stayed there. A part of me is still there because I saw something in her “yes” I hadn’t seen before – that encouragement is both given and received. I didn’t want to toss her “yes” aside. I wanted to put it to use. I still want to put it to use.

Thank you, Mom, Ruthie, Olivia, Kelli, and Michelle, – the women behind the encouragement I mentioned here. Thank you to everyone reading this who has written the card, sent the text, typed the email, etc. I have received your encouragement. I have put it to use. Yes, in my own writing, but really, as a reason to also be on the lookout. Who needs a good word today?

Thank you.

Louisa releases August 10 and we’re pre-gaming with a flash Lu sale of FREE. On Kindle. Through August 7. Score your copy + copies for everyone else you’ve been thinking should read the story. Also, check my Insta this week – I’m doing daily, fun video Q&As on all things Lu, life, writing, and faith.